Last week I fulfilled a long held dream and made a trek to Chadd’s Ford, Pennsylvania to visit the home of one of first artistic heroes, Andrew Wyeth. The trip exceeded expectations on numerous levels. I’ll let my photos do most of the talking. First up. Andrew Wyeth studio. Great timing, as the conservators have only just started allowing photos. In his life time, Andrew allowed very few visitors into his inner sanctum.
Blog
Toronto International Art Fair
Ecstacy
Two Weeks in Figure Drawing, Neilson Park Creative Centre
Buckingham’s
Bon Echo Park
Two Weeks in Figure Drawing
Comic Books
An Oldie Reborn
For as long as I can recall, my cousin Pat has been an avid supporter of my artwork. This art school “oldie,” resurrected from my storage locker, hung in my parents’ home for many years. When Pat expressed her fondness for the piece I promptly drove it to her home in Georgetown. To my delight she quickly cleaned off 40 years worth of dust and repaired and repainted my homemade frame. Back in the day I made my own, admittedly lousy frames and build and stretched my own canvases.
Commission
As a rule, commissions make me very anxious and I try to avoid them. This one, however, provided some intriguing challenges. It is also a gift for the client’s father and I have a soft spot for great dads, given how much mine meant to me.
I had to take a scene I had already painted and make it look like it was now set in the seventies or early eighties. This entailed removing a number of tall buildings, researching the pre renovation A.G.O., and getting a handle on the vintage vehicles. Fortunately this model of Red Rocket had come into operation around this time, but is currently being phased out. It also occurred to me television antennae would be common.
Anyhow, a long haul, but hopefully the collector will appreciate the effort.
“20121007” acrylic on birch panel
A Thought
My good friend, the great artist Sam Paonessa sent me this kind of funny candid photo from our painting expedition in Bon Echo Park. I was in the company of some amazing plein air oil painters including Karen Fox, Harvey Walker, John Stuart Pryce, Shelly Burke and Frank A. Edwards. There was absolutely no sense of competition, but I wanted to produce something strong. Instead, I painted two real stinkers, which I’ve just finished painting over here in the studio.
Nonetheless, this is my thank you note to Sam:
Thanks for the info and the great photo. I look like I’m painting while listening to classical music.Proves that even when you’re struggling, as I was that day, painting takes you to a strange, joyful and even spiritual place.
Interestingly, today’s Robert Genn letter is most relevant and points directly to why I failed in Bon Echo.
|
|
A Great Gift
Bon Echo Painting Group
“Passing the Torch,” 18×24
Outdoor Work
More Oldies
Blasts From the Past
Coach 500
Artworld Uncorked
Last night it was my night to perform at this exciting monthly even. Fifty bucks covers a nice glass of vino, art materials, and a great evening of fellowship, and in the case of last night, a great deal of laughter.
Next up, from La Belle Province, Stefan Horik followed by one of my personal favourite artists, the greatly esteemed Norman Brown.
See www.artworldfineart.com for details and go to my blog for many more photos of the evening.